This page contains various questions (and my answers) directed
to me from METU Physics students of whom I am the academic
advisor.
Can I take the course X from the department Y as a
non-departmental elective? Yes, as long as (1) the department Y is not the Physics department
and (2) the department Y allows you to take the course X.
When would I be on probation? If your CGPA is below 2.00 in two consecutive semesters, you are
qualified as a probation student.
Can I take the course X if I am on probation? If you have not taken X previously, then you can not take it while on
probation!
What is the relevant authority to contact if I believe that
I have a special situation and hence may be eligible for an
exception on a particular rule (such as taking a new course
on probation)? Registrar’s office is the
higher authority that may help you with a special request. You might
contact the Undergraduate Programs Advisor of the PHYS program in
the section DIRECTORATE OF UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
of https://oidb.metu.edu.tr/en/personnel-contact-information.
The course X is not offered this semester (including summer
school): can I take the course Y and count it for the course
X? The answer is no if your (X,Y) pair is one of the following:
(Math120,Math114).
My academic record was subpar last year; should I re-take
some courses again this year? There may be multiple reasons why your performance is below the
expectations: adaptation problems to the university, health concerns
such as ADHD, difficulties in the personal life, etc. You need to develop
a strategy based on the core reason of your subpar performance; as
a rule of thumb, if you anticipate that those reasons (whatever they
are) were temporary, then it may be a good idea to re-take previously
passed courses (especially high credit courses with the grades DD or
DC); if on the other hand you are not sure if they would persist, it
is rather preferable to take fewer classes and aim to increase CGPA
by targeting AA in those classes than to take more classes and risk a
burn-out due to constant background stress.